Tuesday, December 20, 2011

Some reading suggestions

My New Year's resolution was to update the blog weekly. And so, on February 28, I present my first post of the year. So much for that...

Some recommended reads from 2011...

1) THE ART OF FIELDING, by Chad Harbach. Incredible debut.

2) LET THE GREAT WORLD SPIN, by Colum McCann. One of the best novels I've read in years. Just extraordinary on every level.

3) THE OUTLAW ALBUM, by Daniel Woodrell. A true master at work.

4) EMILY, ALONE, by Stewart O'Nan. Again -- a true master at work. Stewart plays at a whole different level. And proves it again with THE ODDS, which was released in the past month, two books published in just 10 months, displaying not only an astonishing level of talent but an ability to produce consistently while still expanding his range. The Springsteen of literature!

5) MR. THUNDERMUG, by Cornelius Medvei. A baboon who learns to talk struggles with British society. A laugh-out-loud read.

6) 11/22/63, by Stephen King. One of his best novels in years, a terrific story, thought-provoking and moving.

7) THE IMPOSSIBLE, by Cole Louison. A non-fiction account of skateboarding culture. I've never watched the X Games, never ridden a skateboard, and found it fascinating and incredibly readable.

8) THE DROP, by Michael Connelly. I think it's the best Bosch book in a long time, and that's saying something, because Connelly doesn't miss.

9) THOSE ACROSS THE RIVER, by Christopher Buelhman. If you like your horror to ease from a slow-burn menace to a flat-out, twisted meanness, this one is for you.

10) BRINGING ADAM HOME, by Les Standiford. A thorough and gracefully written account of the horrific and haunting murder of Adam Walsh.

Books to look for in 2012 that will not disapoint:

1) THE COVE, by Ron Rash. April release.2) LIVE BY NIGHT, by Dennis Lehane. October release.